7 March 2026 – Report from Paul Austridge
1926 was the first edition of the UK National Inter Counties Championships and 100 years later, Nottingham played host to this year’s top class series of races. With all English counties sending their top athletes, along with the best of Welsh and Scottish athletes, racing was always going to be of a high quality.
U13 boys
Three BBHAC U13 boys helped Kent win the UK gold team title. Another very strong run from Zach Evans placing a superb 10th, with Emery Aldridge also having a superb run, just three seconds behind in 13th.
Luc Jones’ impressive debut season ensured his Kent selection in his first year in this age group and ran well in this first class company.
U17boys
The U17 National Club Champions continue to impress, picking up two individual medals, Joe Scanes a strong silver and Joseph Hill a fine bronze. Backed up well by great runs from Ben O’Grady, Nathan Clark and Daniel Horgan. Oliver Ward started well but unfortunately had to pull out mid race.
U15 girls
Evie De Bruyn had another strong run placing a high 35th in a very competitive field. Strong runs from Sofia Mossi, representing Middlesex and Alba Homans Yau running in the dark blue of Kent.
U13 girls
Three BBHAC athletes representing Kent in the under 13 race, saw Jazzy Stephens, in her second National Inter Counties, placing high and great debuts for year young Sophie James and Elsa Matthews, both making strong accounts of themselves.
U15 boys
Johnny Lee toed the start line after selection following his fine county bronze and ran hard over the tough hilly 4K course at Woolaton, but was disappointed with his run, great fuel for the up coming English schools XC champs.
The National inter counties also double up as the final fixture in the British Cross Challenge and great to see Benj Evans entered and running hard, against the best in the county, placing well up the field.
U20 men
Alex Middleton made the short journey from his University to the course and had a very strong run over the hilly 6K course, placing a high 42nd and another strong run in county vest for Harry Fage.
U17 girls
Naimah Mossi was the only BBHAC under 17 girls racing and Naimah ran well in the county colours of Middlesex.
Senior Women
On the back of strong National XC run it was great to see Niamh Bridson-Hubbard looking strong and relaxed as she won a fine bronze, helping her Kent team to an eighth position backed up well by Ailbhe Barnes, Milly Smith and Carys Firth all having great runs.
Senior men
Good to see Sam Parsons selected for Kent and running well helping the Kent team place well.
2nd claim Jack Shayler was an impressive 14th, running in his county colours of Oxfordshire.
Being selected for these championships is an achievement in itself, as is being selected as reserve, in the very competitive county of Kent. Congratulations making that list go to Holly Tallack, Akul Gurunathan, Aniket Iyenger, and Dexter Mein.
Kyla Dervish and Andrea Clement were also selected but were unable to run.
Hannah Clark was also selected but this Championship race was trumped by her selection by Great Britain to represent GB in the up coming World student games. Best of luck in Italy Hannah.
